Student Question
Why doesn't Billy want to kill the ghost raccoon in Where the Red Fern Grows?
Quick answer:
Billy hesitates to kill the ghost raccoon because he feels compassion for it, recognizing its long life and legendary status. During the hunt, after the raccoon is cornered and cries out, Billy is moved by its plight and decides it does not deserve to die. His empathy and respect for the raccoon's tenacity and reputation ultimately prevent him from going through with the act.
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls tells the story of ten-year-old Billy Coleman and his two coonhounds, Old Dan, and Little Ann. Following his Grandpa’s bet with the Pritchard boys, Billy agrees to join their hunt and tree the ghost coon.
Billy, his dogs, and the Pritchard boys locate and chase the ghost coon, who hides inside a gatepost. When Billy pokes it with a stick, it jumps back out and fights with Old Dan. The ghost coon then escapes up a tree. Billy climbs the tree but, when the injured coon cries out, knowing that it is about to be killed, Billy cannot bring himself to do it. He believes that a coon that has such a reputation and has lived such a long life does not deserve to die.
As I sat there on the limb, looking at the old fellow, he cried again. Something came over me. I didn't want to kill him.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.